News from across the CollegeContensis: http://www.contentmanagement.co.ukhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/colleges/socsci/news.aspx?SyndicationType=22015-08-02T23:41:10ZStartling new concessions made by Syria's desperate presidentNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. Assad is running out of options – and he seems to be admitting it for the first time.2015-07-29T11:14:00Z2015-07-29T11:05:00Zhttps://theconversation.com/startling-new-concessions-made-by-syrias-desperate-president-45249What the Iran nuclear deal means – and what it doesn'tNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. So there's now a real plan to sort out Iran's nuclear programme. What about all its other problems?2015-07-16T10:34:00Z2015-07-16T10:25:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/what-the-iran-nuclear-deal-means-and-what-it-doesnt-44685Greece: a Europe forged in one crisis may have laid the foundations for the nextNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr George Kyris. What might feel like a victory this morning for eurozone leaders and lenders has only served to feed a eurosceptic beast.2015-07-14T10:30:00Z2015-07-16T10:23:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/greece-a-europe-forged-in-one-crisis-may-have-laid-the-foundations-for-the-next-44607South Sudan's viability requires an honest answer to avert further disasterNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. South Sudan's independence in 2011, which ended half a century of deadly conflict, was met with much praise. But a descent into civil war has led to dismay and suggests fresh thinking is required.2015-07-10T10:15:00Z2015-07-16T10:21:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/south-sudans-viability-requires-an-honest-answer-to-avert-further-disaster-44368Greece votes No: experts respondNathan JohnsonWritten by Costas Milas, University of Liverpool; George Kyris, University of Birmingham; James Arvanitakis, University of Western Sydney; Nikos Papastergiadis, University of Melbourne; Remy Davison, Monash University; Richard Holden, UNSW Australia; Ross Buckley, UNSW Australia, and Sofia Vasilopoulou, University of York. Academic experts respond to the No vote in Greece's referendum on whether or not to accept a bailout offer from their international creditors.2015-07-06T13:36:00Z2015-07-06T13:24:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/greece-votes-no-experts-respond-44231The dangerous gamble that could spark full-scale conflict in UkraineNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). Ukraine is giving Russia two options – and neither is likely to end well.2015-07-03T13:15:00Z2015-07-06T13:19:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/the-dangerous-gamble-that-could-spark-full-scale-conflict-in-ukraine-44115Europe is heading towards constitutional crisis, with or without GreeceNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Nicole Scicluna. Five years of turmoil shows the union rests on shaky legal foundations.2015-07-03T13:15:00Z2015-07-06T13:21:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/europe-is-heading-towards-constitutional-crisis-with-or-without-greece-44151Day of terror reminds us that extremism must be a problem sharedNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. Attacks in France, Kuwait and Tunisia come against a backdrop of increasing extremist violence across the world.2015-06-29T11:00:00Z2015-07-29T11:02:00Zhttps://theconversation.com/day-of-terror-reminds-us-that-extremism-must-be-a-problem-shared-43964Syria's opposition is trapped in a life-threatening fuel crisisNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. With both Islamic State and Assad cutting off its fuel supplies, the Syrian opposition is struggling to survive.2015-06-22T09:56:00Z2015-06-22T09:39:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/syrias-opposition-is-trapped-in-a-life-threatening-fuel-crisis-43501Rogue bankers join the welfare cheats on Osborne hit listNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Huw Macartney. More than just a piece of clever rhetoric, the government is making genuine changes to regulating the financial services industry.2015-06-19T09:06:00Z2015-06-19T09:05:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/rogue-bankers-join-the-welfare-cheats-on-osborne-hit-list-43191Jason Rezaian trial: journalists cannot expect justice in IranNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. The trial of an American journalist in Iran was a craven farce – and a reminder of the brutality with which Tehran still treats journalists.2015-06-03T11:48:00Z2015-06-03T11:25:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/jason-rezaian-trial-journalists-cannot-expect-justice-in-iran-42379Burundi teeters on the brink of civil war following coup attemptNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. An attempt by the incumbent president to change the constitution and run for a third term has exposed deep and dangerous divisions.2015-05-18T12:05:00Z2015-05-18T11:47:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/burundi-teeters-on-the-brink-of-civil-war-following-coup-attempt-41869DevoManc: a shrewd political move that keeps Treasury control without the responsibilityNathan JohnsonWritten by Max Lempriere and Sam Warner, PhD Researchers in Political Science. Signed by the chancellor, George Osborne, and the leaders of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the latest twist in the DevoManc agenda was the unique agreement that purported to grant residents "more control over the decisions that affect their lives". Yet closer inspection suggests a more nuanced picture.2015-05-07T12:46:00Z2015-05-07T12:42:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/devomanc-a-shrewd-political-move-that-keeps-treasury-control-without-the-responsibility-41375Why the zero-carbon homes policy hasn't gone to planNathan JohnsonWritten by Max Lempriere, PhD Researcher in Political Science. One of the UK's flagship sustainability policies is in big trouble. Less than a year from now, the theory goes, all new homes will be "zero-carbon". The reality is rather different. Economic meltdown, a housing crisis, pressure from developers and poorly designed legislation have all combined to leave the country way behind schedule.2015-04-24T14:58:00Z2015-04-24T14:47:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/why-the-zero-carbon-homes-policy-hasnt-gone-to-plan-40650What Britain should learn from Syriza and Greek euroscepticsNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr George Kyris, Lecturer in International and European Politics. The last few years have been remarkable for Greece's relationship with the EU. The bail-out agreements between the country and the EU-IMF, the interference of the latter two in domestic affairs and the imposition of austerity have caused a sharp rise in euroscepticism.2015-04-24T14:58:00Z2015-04-24T14:49:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/what-britain-should-learn-from-syriza-and-greek-eurosceptics-40653Hillary Clinton announces presidential campaign: expert reactionNathan JohnsonWritten by Inderjeet Parmar, City University London; Clodagh Harrington, De Montfort University; Rosa Freedman, University of Birmingham; Russell Bentley, University of Southampton; Scott Lucas, University of Birmingham, and Tom Packer, University of Oxford. The worst-kept secret in American politics is finally out in the open. What now?2015-04-13T09:48:00Z2015-04-13T09:33:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/hillary-clinton-announces-presidential-campaign-expert-reaction-39831Kenya attack: al-Shabaab's violent radicalism can't be tackled by force aloneNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. The terrorist group al-Shabaab has claimed an attack on Garissa University College in eastern Kenya, in which an unclear number have been killed and many others taken hostage.2015-04-10T14:29:00Z2015-04-10T14:11:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/kenya-attack-al-shabaabs-violent-radicalism-cant-be-tackled-by-force-alone-39714Iran celebrates historic nuclear deal – all eyes now on supreme leaderNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. Finally, after years of diplomacy and brinkmanship, the long-awaited nuclear deal with Iran has been done. There is jubilation in the streets as Iran's people, who have struggled under the weight of western sanctions for decades, are waking up to the prospect of a brighter economic future.2015-04-10T14:11:00Z2015-04-10T14:10:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/iran-celebrates-historic-nuclear-deal-all-eyes-now-on-supreme-leader-39528He's back – but the power struggle around Vladimir Putin continues behind the scenesNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Adrian Campbell. The apparent disappearance of Russian president Vladimir Putin between March 5 and 16 provoked a festival of Kremlinological speculation on a scale not seen since the temporary ousting of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the abortive coup of 1991.2015-03-19T11:32:00Z2015-03-19T11:14:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/hes-back-but-the-power-struggle-around-vladimir-putin-continues-behind-the-scenes-38868Why Iran's Supreme Leader may yet swallow a bitter nuclear dealNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. Iran is being pushed to the edge by sanctions over its nuclear programme. Will its dying Supreme Leader cave to the pressure?2015-03-06T11:15:00Z2015-03-06T11:11:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/why-irans-supreme-leader-may-yet-swallow-a-bitter-nuclear-deal-38244Iraq government cuts threaten its brightest students abroadNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. Iraqis pursuing postgraduate study abroad face a difficult future, after the country's higher education minister signed two measures cutting their stipends by up to 50% and limiting support to three years.2015-03-04T10:33:00Z2015-03-04T09:18:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/iraq-government-cuts-threaten-its-brightest-students-abroad-38187In death, Boris Nemtsov embodies the hope of a better RussiaNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Adrian Campbell. For Russia to make peace with its troubled post-Communist history, it needs a 1990s hero to remember. Boris Nemtsov could be just that.2015-03-02T17:19:00Z2015-03-19T11:12:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/in-death-boris-nemtsov-embodies-the-hope-of-a-better-russia-38242How Israel's military stopped Netanyahu attacking IranNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. A release of top-secret documents indicates that Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has exaggerated – and possibly lied – with his repeated claims that Iran is on the brink of a nuclear bomb.2015-02-26T09:14:00Z2015-02-26T09:13:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/how-israels-military-stopped-netanyahu-attacking-iran-38009Moscow holds aces as bombing rattles shaky Ukraine ceasefireNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). . Just as the latest peace deal to stabilise Ukraine was being put into place, a bomb exploded in the city of Kharkiv, killing two people and injuring at least ten, while another was found and defused in Odessa.2015-02-23T14:16:00Z2015-02-23T13:56:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/moscow-holds-aces-as-bombing-rattles-shaky-ukraine-ceasefire-37879Labour talks tough on banking reform, but little will changeNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Huw Macartney. Given the scandals, bonus increases and plummeting lending to small and medium-sized British businesses, reform of the banking system is likely to be a hot topic in the run-up to the general election. It is not surprising then that Labour has launched its plan on banking reform, which proposes measures to improve competition within the banking sector, lending to smaller businesses, and the culture of banking itself.2015-02-17T09:56:00Z2015-02-17T09:49:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/labour-talks-tough-on-banking-reform-but-little-will-change-37674Ukraine ceasefire announced at Minsk summit – what next?Nathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. After all night talks in the Belarusian capital Minsk, the outcomes of the four party talks in the so-called Normandy format (Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany) have neither brought a major breakthrough or a complete disaster. As a deal, it is not a solution, but perhaps a step towards one.2015-02-13T10:00:00Z2015-02-13T09:34:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/ukraine-ceasefire-announced-at-minsk-summit-what-next-37532The international media is failing to report the Syrian war properlyNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. February 2015 has already seen some major developments in Syria's four-year conflict. At the start of February, rebels launched more than 100 rockets into Damascus and the Assad regime fired mortars on areas of its own capital, hoping to discredit the insurgents. At least six people were killed in the attacks.2015-02-10T10:31:00Z2015-02-10T10:11:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/the-international-media-is-failing-to-report-the-syrian-war-properly-37290Greek Election 2015Nathan JohnsonDr George Kyris and Dr Sotirios Zartaloudis reflect on Syriza's victory in the Greek election and discuss what it might mean for the rest of Europe.2015-02-05T17:55:00Z2015-02-05T17:38:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/greece-election.aspxAs its power grows, is the ECB overstepping its mandate?Nathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Nicole Scicluna. The European Central Bank (ECB) symbolises the strange mix of politics and technocracy that marks EU governance. The bank was pushed to centre stage by the eurozone debt crisis and the unwillingness or inability of Europe's national governments to come up with timely solutions. Its rise as a political actor started while it was led by Jean-Claude Trichet, but it has become much clearer under his successor, Mario Draghi.2015-02-05T15:42:00Z2015-02-05T15:30:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/as-its-power-grows-is-the-ecb-overstepping-its-mandate-36997Ukraine sliding towards all-out war despite mediation effortsNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. Over the past few days, Ukraine has taken a significant turn for the worse. Fighting between rebels and government forces has intensified, the civilian death toll has increased, and the war of words between Ukraine and Russia has further escalated.2015-01-26T10:24:00Z2015-01-30T10:24:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/ukraine-sliding-towards-all-out-war-despite-mediation-efforts-36608Why the fight against Islamic State is not the success we're told it isNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. Ministers from 21 countries gathered in London on January 22 to discuss the fight against Islamic State (IS). They had their photo opportunity and issued their statements. US secretary of state, John Kerry, told them that almost 6,000 jihadists had been killed, and almost 700 square kilometres of Iraqi territory retaken.2015-01-26T10:23:00Z2015-01-30T10:24:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/why-the-fight-against-islamic-state-is-not-the-success-were-told-it-is-36619Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch adds Paris attacks to list of successesNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. Al-Qaeda's most active and notorious branch – the Yemen-based al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) – has claimed responsibility for the attack on Charlie Hebdo in Paris. While some questions remain about the full credibility of the claim, it is not entirely implausible: it's been established that some of the attackers had been trained in Yemen, and at least one of them had met AQAP's former chief ideologue, Anwar al-Awlaki, the American-born jihadist killed in a US drone strike in 2011.2015-01-19T09:32:00Z2015-01-19T09:25:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/al-qaedas-yemen-branch-adds-paris-attacks-to-list-of-successes-36308Ukraine steels for more unrest as Donetsk bus attack kills 12Nathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. The deadly attack on a bus carrying civilians near Donetsk, killing at least 12 of them and wounding many more, comes in the wake of yet another round of failed talks among the foreign ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and France. It also follows a pattern of persistent violence between rebels and government forces that has made a mockery of a ceasefire agreement brokered between the two sides back in September 2014.2015-01-15T09:26:00Z2015-01-15T09:19:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/ukraine-steels-for-more-unrest-as-donetsk-bus-attack-kills-12-36266Moldova's future in the balance after uncertain election resultNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. Moldova has gone to the polls in a vote seen as crucial for determining the country's future direction. Preliminary results indicate that the pro-European parties together achieved about 44% of the vote, while those parties considered to be more pro-Russia came in with just under 40% of the vote, on a turnout of around 56%. These headline figures, however, mask a more complicated picture.2014-12-02T15:45:00Z2014-12-02T14:45:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/moldovas-future-in-the-balance-after-uncertain-election-result-34895Iran nuclear deal will come down to economic pressureNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. Iran has failed to reach an agreement with six world powers about the future of its nuclear programme after talks. Talks in Vienna about the future of Iran's nuclear programme have failed for the time being. The countries involved have agreed to resume discussions in December with a view to reaching a political agreement by March 1 next year and a final deal by the end of June.2014-11-27T09:59:00Z2014-11-27T09:49:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/iran-nuclear-deal-will-come-down-to-economic-pressure-34668Abe can win Japan's snap election but he needs to win bigNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Julie Gilson. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's decision to call a snap election for December 14 comes after what has been a rather bad week for him. Japan has slipped back into recession for the first time since 2012 and Abe has seen his popularity ratings drop below 50% for the first time.2014-11-19T17:28:00Z2014-11-21T13:29:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/abe-can-win-japans-snap-election-but-he-needs-to-win-big-34438The big winner of the congressional elections is... Hillary ClintonNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Scott Lucas. The new Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, proclaimed his party would 'turn the country around' after Republicans gained seven seats in the Senate and extended its advantage in the House of Representatives. However, beyond the rhetoric, there may be a far different story and a different victor from Tuesday night's vote: Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee for the 2016 presidential election.2014-11-10T11:06:00Z2014-11-10T10:54:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/hillary-clinton.aspxIn Ukraine, the start of a new Cold War that Russia can't winNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). Twenty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall that ushered in the end of communism in eastern Europe and the break-up of the Soviet Union, all the signs point to a new Cold War between Russia and the West.2014-11-10T10:26:00Z2014-11-10T10:16:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/in-ukraine-the-start-of-a-new-cold-war-that-russia-cant-win-33988Podcast: Corporate Social Responsibility in Developing Countries LectureNathan JohnsonSpeaker: Ms. Donna Guest, Senior Advisor on Southeast Asia at Institute for Human Rights and Business2014-11-07T13:57:00Z2014-11-07T15:01:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/news/2014/11/corporate-social-responsibility-in-developing-countries.aspxRecent PhD Success Highlights Strength of POLSIS Doctoral ResearchNathan JohnsonSixteen doctoral students gained a PhD in the past year in POLSIS.2014-11-03T14:38:00Z2014-11-03T14:30:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2014/11/phd-success.aspxJerusalem, Israeli settlements and why a third intifada could be about to kick offNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Asaf Siniver. Does this month's escalation in violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank mean that a third intifada – a Palestinian uprising against the Israel's occupation, following those of 1987 and 2000 – is imminent? The latest events in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict prove that the next round could kick off at any moment.2014-10-31T10:50:00Z2014-11-10T10:51:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/jerusalem-israeli-settlements.aspxPro-Western bloc set for majority in elections that expose deep divisions in UkraineNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). Ukrainians have voted for a new parliament. The exit polls, in line with earlier predictions, indicate that the Petro Poroshenko Bloc – which also includes the UDAR party of Kiev's mayor, former boxing champion Vitali Klichko – came out on top (predicted to achieve around 23% of the vote), but will need partners to form a stable coalition that will give Poroshenko a majority in parliament.2014-10-27T16:01:00Z2014-10-27T15:34:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/pro-western-bloc-set-for-majority-in-elections-that-expose-deep-divisions-in-ukraine-33450Japan's Shinzo Abe will struggle to recover from ministerial scandalNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Julie Gilson. In a country that has had nine leaders since 2000, Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe appeared to have found the recipe for longevity. But the resignation of two ministers from his government has left him in serious trouble.2014-10-23T10:46:00Z2014-11-10T10:47:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/japan-ministerial-scandal.aspxJapan's Shinzo Abe will struggle to recover from ministerial scandalNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Julie Gilson. In a country that has had nine leaders since 2000, Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe appeared to have found the recipe for longevity. But the resignation of two ministers from his government has left him in serious trouble.2014-10-22T15:31:00Z2014-10-22T15:16:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/japans-shinzo-abe-will-struggle-to-recover-from-ministerial-scandal-33272Ukraine steels itself for winter as Novorossiya forges aheadNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). The EU-Asia Summit in Milan, Italy, delivered little, if any, tangible progress to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. Relations between Russia and Ukraine's major European allies remain just a few degrees above a new Cold War-style ice age. And with only a preliminary gas deal achieved between Kiev and Moscow this may be quite literally true for Ukrainians as winter approaches.2014-10-20T10:24:00Z2014-10-20T10:34:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/ukraine-steels-itself-for-winter-as-novorossiya-forges-ahead-33151China-India border tension risks escalating into more intense conflictNathan JohnsonWritten by Dr Tsering Topgyal. "Earlier this month the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, concluded a three-day trip to India. As he set off to meet Narendra Modi, Xi wrote in The Hindu that China and India "need to become co-operation partners."2014-10-08T10:43:00Z2014-11-10T10:44:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/china-india.aspxCreating Change, Expanding Opportunity - IDD Annual Report 2013-14Nathan JohnsonWelcome to a special anniversary Annual Report. Browse an overview of IDD's recent research, teaching, consultancy and publications.2014-08-21T15:14:00Z2014-08-21T15:05:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-social-sciences/government-society/idd/annual-report/2013-14.pdfInside Donetsk, a city at war, while the jaw-jaw over Ukraine continuesNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University) and Professor Stefan Wolff. The past few days have seen another round of the seemingly endless cycle of escalation and de-escalation that has characterised the crisis in Ukraine for several months.2014-08-19T11:00:00Z2014-10-20T10:37:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/inside-donetsk-a-city-at-war-while-the-jaw-jaw-over-ukraine-continues-30486Sino-Indian Relations in the 21st Century: Economic and Security Implications and ResponsesNathan JohnsonThis conference hosted by the University of Birmingham took place on Thursday 10 July 2014. The conference brought together leading scholars from China, India and the UK to address the following questions: what are the key drivers of Sino-Indian relations, particularly their economic and security relations? What are the cooperative and competitive elements in their economic and security strategies towards their Asian neighbours and beyond? What kind of regional and extra-regional responses are provoked by the increasing capabilities and expanding ambitions and activities of these rising powers?2014-08-18T16:18:00Z2014-10-14T16:13:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/news/2014/08/sino-indian-relations-21st-century.aspxSelf-styled people's governor of Donetsk tells us: these areas have always been RussianNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University) and Professor Stefan Wolff. There are two competing and irreconcilable narratives about the crisis in eastern Ukraine that divide public opinion and media coverage in the region and the country – as much as they divide Russia and the West.2014-08-07T13:24:00Z2014-10-20T10:37:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/self-styled-peoples-governor-of-donetsk-tells-us-these-areas-have-always-been-russian-29708Lack of trust and tit-for-tat escalation brings Ukraine to the brink of all-out war with RussiaNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). The renewed escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, following the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, shows no sign of abating. Fighting in the east has continued both in and around the rebel stronghold of Donetsk and at the Russian-Ukrainian border where, according to reports, Russia has now started shelling Ukrainian military positions.2014-07-29T10:41:00Z2014-08-06T10:42:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/ukraine-russia-conflict.aspxThe Conversation: Lack of trust and tit-for-tat escalation brings Ukraine to the brink of all-out war with RussiaNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). The renewed escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, following the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, shows no sign of abating. Fighting in the east has continued both in and around the rebel stronghold of Donetsk and at the Russian-Ukrainian border where, according to reports, Russia has now started shelling Ukrainian military positions.2014-07-28T10:23:00Z2014-07-28T10:14:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/lack-of-trust-and-tit-for-tat-escalation-brings-ukraine-to-the-brink-of-all-out-war-with-russia-29707The Conversation: As Russia votes with Security Council, could MH17 be providing a wake-up call?Nathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. The unanimous vote in the UN Security Council on the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over rebel-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine is a welcome step. The resolution, drafted by Australia which lost 37 people in the tragedy, condemns the downing of the aircraft and calls for all states to co-operate with the investigation and demands that armed groups allow open access to the crash site.2014-07-23T08:45:00Z2014-07-23T08:44:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/as-russia-votes-with-security-council-could-mh17-be-providing-a-wake-up-call-29522A rigorous review of the role and impact of private schools in developing countriesNathan JohnsonA new review analyses recent evidence on the role and impact of private schools on education for children in developing countries, focusing on the delivery of education for the poor.2014-07-04T14:05:00Z2014-07-04T13:58:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/news/2014/07/private-schools-developing-countries.aspxThe Conversation: 'Chocolate King' Poroshenko wins Ukraine presidency but violence continuesNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). With the outright victory of Petro Poroshenko in Ukraine's presidential elections on May 25 now confirmed, hopes are running high for a new beginning that will deliver a swift way out of a protracted crisis.2014-05-26T11:45:00Z2014-05-27T11:45:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/chocolate-king-poroshenko-wins-ukraine-presidency-but-violence-continues-27203The Conversation: Whoever wins Ukraine election faces an uncertain mandate and no easy path to peaceNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). The presidential elections in Ukraine on May 25 were meant to offer the country the beginning of a way out of a protracted crisis. Some of the signs were quite positive. Presidential candidates were stressing the need for unity and dialogue. Ukraine's richest man, Rinat Akhmetov, a powerful tycoon based in eastern Ukraine, took a strong public stance against the separatists there.2014-05-25T11:44:00Z2014-05-27T11:44:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/whoever-wins-ukraine-election-faces-an-uncertain-mandate-and-no-easy-path-to-peace-27145The Conversation: Labour should be the biggest local winner – this year anywayNathan JohnsonWritten by Chris Game. Two countries have synchronised their EU election and local election dates this cycle: Greece and parts of the UK (England and Northern Ireland).2014-05-22T16:24:00Z2014-05-23T16:24:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/labour-should-be-the-biggest-local-winner-this-year-anyway-27038The Conversation: Ukraine separatists engaged in high-risk game as they press on with referendum planNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). Vladimir Putin's statements giving qualified support for presidential elections in Ukraine on May 25, calling on separatists in eastern Ukraine to postpone their planned referendums and announcing a pull-back of troops from Ukraine's border, has been greeted with scepticism in Kiev, Brussels, London and Washington.2014-05-09T10:31:00Z2014-05-14T10:31:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/ukraine-separatists-engaged-in-high-risk-game-as-they-press-on-with-referendum-plan-26279The Conversation: With Geneva deal dead Ukraine could be pivotal moment for international relationsNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). The Geneva Agreement appears to be dead in the water. Achieved only a week ago, it was widely considered a surprising breakthrough, albeit one which offered major concessions to Russia.2014-04-25T11:31:00Z2014-04-29T11:32:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/all-eyes-on-russia-as-ukraine-hurtles-towards-civil-war-25400The Conversation: Breakthrough in Ukraine talks is a win-win situation, especially for RussiaNathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. The four-party talks on the crisis in Ukraine have apparently produced a significant breakthrough towards the diffusion of an increasingly dangerous situation.2014-04-18T16:41:00Z2014-04-24T09:52:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/breakthrough-in-ukraine-talks-is-a-win-win-situation-especially-for-russia-25346The Conversation: Ukraine crisis: is the West powerless to stop Russian aggression?Nathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff. As the situation in Ukraine rapidly spins out of control, various Western leaders have stepped up their verbal warnings to Russia.2014-04-15T17:50:00Z2014-04-24T09:52:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/ukraine-crisis-is-the-west-powerless-to-stop-russian-aggression-25347The Conversation: Now Crimea's in the bag, where next for Putin and Russia?Nathan JohnsonWritten by Professor Stefan Wolff and Professor Tatyana Malyarenko (Professor of Public Administration at Donetsk State Management University). The Ukrainian government has announced that it will mount a full-scale military operation to regain control of the east of the country and has set a deadline of 6am on Monday morning for occupied government buildings to be evacuated by armed protesters.2014-04-15T09:47:00Z2014-04-15T09:21:00Zhttp://theconversation.com/all-eyes-on-russia-as-ukraine-hurtles-towards-civil-war-25400International Collaboration mapNathan JohnsonThe College of Social Sciences is proud of its extensive links with universities and other strategic partners throughout the world. Through our network of global partnerships, we engage in a wide range of activities including staff and student exchange and collaboration in research and teaching.2013-12-19T13:51:00Z2014-03-11T08:55:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/collaboration/index.aspxDoctoral Researchers Yearbook 2013Nathan JohnsonThe Yearbook showcases the innovative and cutting edge work of the Doctoral Researchers in the Schools of Business, Education, Government and Society and Social Policy. The quality of the research being undertaken within our Doctoral Research Community is outstanding and this Yearbook highlights the impressive scope, depth and breadth of the research being undertaken.2013-12-18T07:36:00Z2014-03-11T08:55:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-social-sciences/dr-yearbook-2013.pdfVideo: International students at the University of BirminghamNathan JohnsonInternational students from Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia at the University of Birmingham talk about their time at Birmingham, including their experiences living in a vibrant and multicultural UK city.2013-12-10T12:14:00Z2014-03-11T08:56:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/international/students/index.aspxMilitary Intervention in Syria: the worst or just one among many bad options?Nathan Johnson"As Western rhetoric and resolve to 'do something' over the use of chemical weapons last week in Syria harden, one of the increasingly dominant logics is that with all other means exhausted, a military intervention of some sort is the last resort."2013-08-30T15:23:00Z2013-09-03T10:24:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/syria-military.aspxInternational Collaboration mapNathan JohnsonThe College of Social Sciences is proud of its extensive links with universities and other strategic partners throughout the world. Through our network of global partnerships, we engage in a wide range of activities including staff and student exchange and collaboration in research and teaching.2013-07-15T09:30:00Z2014-03-11T09:05:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/research/collaboration/index.aspxStudent profile: Jose Van Oosten, MSc International DevelopmentNathan JohnsonI chose to study at Birmingham because for me it offered a great balance between being at the heart of a dynamic city, having a really large campus, a really large university with lots of activities, the politics department which I'm involved in is in the top ten of the country and of course, Birmingham is in the top three of the British University sports rankings, which is a big seller for me.2013-05-21T16:15:00Z2013-05-21T16:09:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/teaching/student-profiles/postgraduate/idd/2012-13/jose-van-oosten-msc-idd.aspxNew Masters degree: MSc Global Cooperation and SecurityNathan JohnsonThis exciting degree programme is offered exclusively through the Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security (ICCS), comprised of a number of leading scholars in the field of security who regularly produce cutting edge, internationally renowned research.2013-05-21T08:54:00Z2014-03-11T09:04:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/taught/govsoc/global-cooperation-security.aspxCalculation and Miscalculation on the Korean PeninsulaNathan JohnsonWhile it is sometimes tempting to see the regime of Kim Jong-eun as superficially comical, with its extravagant uniforms, dynastic worship and wild rhetoric, it is also important not to underestimate the serious risk of miscalculation and military escalation inherent within the current crisis. While there are many aspects of the present situation that are familiar to observers of the hermit state, there are also enough differences to give concern that this manufactured crisis could end differently.2013-04-19T12:16:00Z2013-04-19T11:51:00Zhttp://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/thebirminghambrief/items/2013/04/Calculation-and-Miscalculation-on-the-Korean-Peninsula.aspx